The Leseverstehen (Reading Comprehension) section of the TELC B1 exam tests your ability to understand different types of texts, from newspaper articles to advertisements. Along with Sprachbausteine, it's a major part of the written test, and a strong performance here is crucial.
The key isn't just to read German, but to read it strategically. Want to test these strategies? Apply them now in a free TELC B1 Mock Exam on Sprachflow.
Understanding the Three Parts of Leseverstehen
- Teil 1 (Globales Verstehen): You match headings to short texts. The goal is to understand the main idea of each text.
- Teil 2 (Detailliertes Verstehen): You read a longer article and answer multiple-choice questions about specific details.
- Teil 3 (Selektives Verstehen): You read several advertisements or short texts and match them to specific situations or needs.
Strategy 1: Skimming and Scanning
You don't have time to read every word carefully.
- Skimming (for Teil 1): Quickly read the first and last sentences of each text to grasp the main idea (the "gist"). This is often enough to match the headings correctly.
- Scanning (for Teil 2 & 3): Before reading the text, read the questions or situations first. Identify keywords (names, dates, places, specific terms). Then, scan the text specifically for those keywords.
Strategy 2: The Process of Elimination
This is your best friend for multiple-choice questions in Teil 2.
- Read the question and try to answer it in your own words based on the text.
- Look at the options (A, B, C).
- Immediately eliminate any options that are clearly wrong.
- Compare the remaining options carefully with the text. Watch out for "distractors" – words that appear in the text but are used in a different context in the option.
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Strategy 3: Beware of Paraphrasing
The correct answer often uses synonyms or rephrased sentences, not the exact words from the text.
- Text says: "Die Veranstaltung wurde wegen des schlechten Wetters abgesagt." (The event was canceled due to bad weather.)
- Correct Answer might be: "Das Event fand nicht statt, weil es regnete." (The event didn't take place because it rained.)
Don't just match words; match the meaning.
Strategy 4: Manage Your Time
The Leseverstehen and Sprachbausteine sections share a 90-minute time block. A good rule of thumb is:
- Leseverstehen Teil 1: ~15-20 minutes
- Leseverstehen Teil 2: ~20-25 minutes
- Leseverstehen Teil 3: ~15 minutes
- Sprachbausteine (both parts): ~20 minutes
- Review: ~10 minutes
Practicing with a timer is essential. The timed environment of Sprachflow's mock exams helps you build this crucial skill.
Strategy 5: Build Your Vocabulary in Context
The more words you know, the easier this section will be. But don't just memorize word lists.
- Read widely: blogs, news sites (like
Spiegel Online), and simple books. - When you find a new word, look at the entire sentence. How is it used?
- Use an app like Anki to create flashcards with full sentences, not just single words.
The Leseverstehen section is a test of both language and strategy. By understanding the different question types and applying these techniques, you can approach it with confidence.
Ready to put these strategies to the test? Challenge your reading skills on a realistic, timed mock exam at Sprachflow.